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Knight Security #1
Defying Asher
This is the 2nd story in USA Today bestselling author Carole Mortimer’s new contemporary series Knight Security, a spin-off of the “wildly successful”, and bestselling Top100, Alpha Series. You first met Lissa and Asher in the novella “Alexandre (Knight Security 0.5)” featured in the Royals & Rogues anthology. “Defying Asher (Knight Security 1)” is their story.
Author’s Note: The stories in the Knight Security, Alpha, and Regency Unlaced series have stronger sexual content and language than my other books.
A year ago Lissa spent the night with a man she’d only just met. Not her usual behaviour, but she dared any woman to resist the forceful and predatory Asher Knight. It had been a night of intense and unforgettable pleasure.
The regret came the following morning, and Lissa had walked out on Asher, vowing never to see him again.
But fate has other ideas, and a year later Asher is the only man Lissa trusts to help her.
Asher had never expected to see Lissa Forsythe again, let alone be in need of his protection. He had never forgotten the night they spent together. Or the way Lissa walked out on him the following morning without explanation.
Will the two of them be able to put the past behind them? Or will the intensely passionate night they spent together, and the way they parted, forever remain a painful shadow between them?
When the people Lissa loves start to die, Asher knows he has no choice but to offer her his protection.
But who is going to protect him from the desire that rages out of control every time the two of them are together?
Author’s Note: The stories in the Knight Security, Alpha, and Regency Unlaced series have stronger sexual content and language than my other books.
A year ago Lissa spent the night with a man she’d only just met. Not her usual behaviour, but she dared any woman to resist the forceful and predatory Asher Knight. It had been a night of intense and unforgettable pleasure.
The regret came the following morning, and Lissa had walked out on Asher, vowing never to see him again.
But fate has other ideas, and a year later Asher is the only man Lissa trusts to help her.
Asher had never expected to see Lissa Forsythe again, let alone be in need of his protection. He had never forgotten the night they spent together. Or the way Lissa walked out on him the following morning without explanation.
Will the two of them be able to put the past behind them? Or will the intensely passionate night they spent together, and the way they parted, forever remain a painful shadow between them?
When the people Lissa loves start to die, Asher knows he has no choice but to offer her his protection.
But who is going to protect him from the desire that rages out of control every time the two of them are together?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2016
43 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,296 books907 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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July 23, 2018
Good read.
I was really into this. I vaguely remember reading the prequel to this but I think I may have just not marked it as read or something because this was amazing.
I really enjoyed the sex scenes (so sue me) I liked the feel of their chemistry and their characters.
I was really into this. I vaguely remember reading the prequel to this but I think I may have just not marked it as read or something because this was amazing.
I really enjoyed the sex scenes (so sue me) I liked the feel of their chemistry and their characters.
December 3, 2023
OMG - did CM actually write this? Not the fabulous story I was expecting based on the books she used to write.
One dimensional characters, sex scenes that were as erotic as an IKEA manual and utterly unattractive characters. Predictable, pedestrian and puerile. I hated it.
One dimensional characters, sex scenes that were as erotic as an IKEA manual and utterly unattractive characters. Predictable, pedestrian and puerile. I hated it.
March 4, 2019
I like the plot and the characters, but the constant arguing got on my nerves.
July 4, 2016
FINAL DECISION: A straightforward contemporary category-type romance, this book was enjoyable because of the push and pull between the hero and heroine. I enjoyed this as a one time read.
THE STORY: A year ago Lissa Forsythe and Asher Knight had a one night stand. The two meet again when Lissa is in danger. A year hasn't diminished the chemistry between them but it also hasn't decreased Lissa's hurt at what she saw as a betrayal by Asher. Despite his best intentions, Asher hasn't been able to forget the prickly woman. Now he has to protect her with his life but he risks his heart in doing so.
OPINION: This story has two main parts: who is trying to kill Lissa's mother and those around her and the relationship between Lissa and Asher. The connection between Lissa and Asher is evident from the beginning and the conflict in the relationship comes from their one night stand a year ago. Lissa believes that Asher was cheating on another woman when the two of them ended up in bed together. Lissa's lack of trust in others dominates the story. Of course, once the truth is revealed, the two quickly resolve their relationship.
The story is good and the characters fun to read. For a one time read, this is pretty good. And just to clarify, I don't mind reading books that I can get through and enjoy even if they aren't ones I will want to re-read again and again.
WORTH MENTIONING: The Knight Security series is connected to the ALPHA series and the Knight sister gets her story in SAVAGE ALPHA.
CONNECTED BOOKS: DEFYING ASHER is book one of the Knight Security series. There is a prequel but this book can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: A year ago Lissa Forsythe and Asher Knight had a one night stand. The two meet again when Lissa is in danger. A year hasn't diminished the chemistry between them but it also hasn't decreased Lissa's hurt at what she saw as a betrayal by Asher. Despite his best intentions, Asher hasn't been able to forget the prickly woman. Now he has to protect her with his life but he risks his heart in doing so.
OPINION: This story has two main parts: who is trying to kill Lissa's mother and those around her and the relationship between Lissa and Asher. The connection between Lissa and Asher is evident from the beginning and the conflict in the relationship comes from their one night stand a year ago. Lissa believes that Asher was cheating on another woman when the two of them ended up in bed together. Lissa's lack of trust in others dominates the story. Of course, once the truth is revealed, the two quickly resolve their relationship.
The story is good and the characters fun to read. For a one time read, this is pretty good. And just to clarify, I don't mind reading books that I can get through and enjoy even if they aren't ones I will want to re-read again and again.
WORTH MENTIONING: The Knight Security series is connected to the ALPHA series and the Knight sister gets her story in SAVAGE ALPHA.
CONNECTED BOOKS: DEFYING ASHER is book one of the Knight Security series. There is a prequel but this book can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
June 20, 2017
Defying Asher by Carole Mortimer.
4out of 5 stars.
The second book in this series revolves around the dark, brooding Asher, as previously introduced in the first book Resisting Alexandre, and Lissa Forsythe.
It's a year later after the pair had first met and it's not on the best of terms. Asher is trying to do his job to protect a client when Lissa shows up at the apartment wanting to see her. But he refuses to allow entry and takes far too much pleasure in that fact until he finds out exactly who Lissa is and the condescending smirk is wiped off his face.
There's a killer out there, and Lissa is soon in danger as others around her are being hurt and hospitalized, which means she could be next. But the arrogant way that Asher tries to run her life and order her around isn't acceptable to Lissa. Not at all.
I would recommend this book to others that enjoy security firm stories, rocky romance, and arrogant alpha males.
4out of 5 stars.
The second book in this series revolves around the dark, brooding Asher, as previously introduced in the first book Resisting Alexandre, and Lissa Forsythe.
It's a year later after the pair had first met and it's not on the best of terms. Asher is trying to do his job to protect a client when Lissa shows up at the apartment wanting to see her. But he refuses to allow entry and takes far too much pleasure in that fact until he finds out exactly who Lissa is and the condescending smirk is wiped off his face.
There's a killer out there, and Lissa is soon in danger as others around her are being hurt and hospitalized, which means she could be next. But the arrogant way that Asher tries to run her life and order her around isn't acceptable to Lissa. Not at all.
I would recommend this book to others that enjoy security firm stories, rocky romance, and arrogant alpha males.
August 3, 2020
Misunderstanding
Lissa and Asher's relationship takes root when he has to protect her. They are like oil and water, filled with passion. Overall quality of writing from Ms Mortimer is good as always. No cheating or cliffhanger and you get some steamy intimacy scenes too. The ending was a bit blunt and abrupt. Characters and storyline were well rounded and believable. Enjoy 🤓
Lissa and Asher's relationship takes root when he has to protect her. They are like oil and water, filled with passion. Overall quality of writing from Ms Mortimer is good as always. No cheating or cliffhanger and you get some steamy intimacy scenes too. The ending was a bit blunt and abrupt. Characters and storyline were well rounded and believable. Enjoy 🤓
July 25, 2021
I don't usually read contemporary stories, but Carole Mortimer is the exception. I love the Knight Security series, as well as the Dragon Heart series. Well, I love all genre's from this author.
I enjoyed the concept of tall hunky men and the steamy sex scenes.
Note to self: Must read #2. 4.5☆
I enjoyed the concept of tall hunky men and the steamy sex scenes.
Note to self: Must read #2. 4.5☆
April 29, 2025
Stubborn meets immovable
The brothers Knight are a stubborn, arrogant bunch. Asher, in particular, excelled at being autocratic and demanding. However, as the plot progressed, and feelings crept into his alliance with Lissa, both he and the stubborn, combative Lissa realized there was more than sexual tension between them. This was a good read with lots of suspense.
The brothers Knight are a stubborn, arrogant bunch. Asher, in particular, excelled at being autocratic and demanding. However, as the plot progressed, and feelings crept into his alliance with Lissa, both he and the stubborn, combative Lissa realized there was more than sexual tension between them. This was a good read with lots of suspense.
September 25, 2016
First off, this isn't badly written but, for me, it's a two because...
The main characters just seem to argue all the time. I know that it's implied by the title but they spend most of their time going out of their way just to thwart each other. And yet we're told they have 'the feelings'. Most of the time they can barely communicate. I understand love-hate relationships but it's not even hate, just point-scoring. Too much manufactured angst for me.
(On a side note, the h is referred to as "sassy" (by the H no less), which is an automatic minus five on my scale of likeability. Apparently 'sassy-ness' means the inability to think rationally because your 'feisty' attitude renders all logical decision-making impossible. Her thought processes seem to follow along these lines: "My mother is being targetted by a killer? Oh, well, I'll escape my bodyguard and sit outside in plain view on a park bench because that darn hero-of-mine told me I had to stay inside. Wait - should I perhaps give him a chance to provide some kind of reason for this request? Of course I won't because my girl parts are all a-tremble once we are within a five metre radius of each other. Far better to wait for death on this bench. Would you look at all my fiery defiance? Look at it. Look at it!")
Having said all that, I'd try the author again if I felt the relationship between h and H had a different dynamic (and that the angst wasn't just a way to fill the pages beween the start and the HEA).
The main characters just seem to argue all the time. I know that it's implied by the title but they spend most of their time going out of their way just to thwart each other. And yet we're told they have 'the feelings'. Most of the time they can barely communicate. I understand love-hate relationships but it's not even hate, just point-scoring. Too much manufactured angst for me.
(On a side note, the h is referred to as "sassy" (by the H no less), which is an automatic minus five on my scale of likeability. Apparently 'sassy-ness' means the inability to think rationally because your 'feisty' attitude renders all logical decision-making impossible. Her thought processes seem to follow along these lines: "My mother is being targetted by a killer? Oh, well, I'll escape my bodyguard and sit outside in plain view on a park bench because that darn hero-of-mine told me I had to stay inside. Wait - should I perhaps give him a chance to provide some kind of reason for this request? Of course I won't because my girl parts are all a-tremble once we are within a five metre radius of each other. Far better to wait for death on this bench. Would you look at all my fiery defiance? Look at it. Look at it!")
Having said all that, I'd try the author again if I felt the relationship between h and H had a different dynamic (and that the angst wasn't just a way to fill the pages beween the start and the HEA).
May 12, 2017
her mother is the target of an assassin
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews